Hot Water Tank Safety Tips

If your central heating system makes use of a water tank, you should take care in following the safety tips and directions provided by the water tank's manufacturer. Not following the directions and information given to you by experts could result in serious injury or even death. In addition to following the manufacturer's recommendations, there are some common safety tips you should keep in mind to help keep you, your family, and your home all in one piece.

One of the most important safety tips is to keep the area around the hot water tank away from anything that is flammable or combustible. Most manufacturers recommend that water tanks are set 18 inches off the ground. This is to prevent things from coming in contact with them and causing a fire or explosion.

Another safety tip that should be kept in mind is to keep children and pets away from hot water tanks. It is best to install your hot water tank in a cupboard or utility room where children and pets will not be present. However, if this is not possible, you should keep an eye on them to make sure they are staying away from the water tank. Under no circumstances should you leave children unattended near a hot water tank, especially if they are young.

Regular maintenance should be performed on the water tank, to make sure it remains safe in your home. This not only keeps you safe but also improves the longevity of the tank. When conducting regular maintenance, such as draining a water tank, make sure to test the safety valve and carefully inspect the appliance to make sure it has no leaks or cracks, which could indicate a serious problem.

Lastly, if you have a gas water tank you should consider installing as a safety precaution an automatic gas shutoff valve. This valve is designed to stop the flow of gas to the appliance if the ground moves, as in an earthquake, or if the gas flow increases rapidly for unexpected reasons.

By practicing and following the above tips, as well as the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer of your hot water tank, you can keep yourself, your family and your home safe from serious or even deadly problems. Should you have questions about the safety of your water heater, contact the manufacturer or a professional plumber who can answer your questions or provide you with assistance.